Rep. Pamelya Herndon

Maddy summarySB 2 (Criminal Competency) updates New Mexico law to clarify which court handles cases where a defendant's ability to stand trial is questioned. If a metropolitan court (a local court handling less serious cases) determines a defendant is not competent to stand trial, the case must be transferred to a district court - New Mexico’s higher trial court - instead of remaining in the metropolitan court. This change ensures that competency determinations and subsequent proceedings occur in courts with the authority to manage complex legal processes. The bill applies directly to defendants in criminal cases where competency is raised and aims to streamline court handling of such cases. It was passed quickly as an emergency measure in October 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 264 would adjust minimum state employee salaries annually starting July 2026 using inflation data (consumer price index), ensuring raises keep pace with cost-of-living increases. It establishes new annual leave accrual rates based on years of service (e.g., 4.62 hours per pay period for under 3 years) and guarantees 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible employees following birth, adoption, or custody of a child. The bill also creates a remote work policy to support recruitment and retention, requiring remote positions to be based in New Mexico and maintaining standard work expectations. These provisions apply to most state employees, though collective bargaining agreements may override specific terms.

Maddy summarySB 10, the Anti-Hazing Act, requires all public and private New Mexico colleges and universities to establish a hazing prevention committee, adopt a code of conduct, and provide annual hazing prevention education to students. The bill defines hazing broadly as any act during recruitment, membership, or group activities that causes bodily danger, physical harm, or serious psychological harm - including forced consumption of substances - but excludes normal athletic events. It makes hazing a misdemeanor, prohibits student organizations from permitting hazing (with potential liability for damages), and requires students who haze to forfeit state-funded financial aid. Additionally, staff who fail to report hazing they witness or learn about face penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 58 allocates $300,000 for trauma-informed suicide prevention training for school staff, students, and community members, and $1.75 million to operate 14 dedicated mental health rooms in New Mexico public schools. The funding, intended for fiscal year 2026, directly supports school staff and students by expanding access to mental health resources and training. It requires partnerships with organizations providing culturally centered programs and mandates unspent funds to revert to the state general fund. The bill focuses on concrete, on-the-ground mental health support within school settings.

Maddy summaryHB 217, the Counseling Compact, would allow licensed professional counselors in New Mexico to practice across state lines without needing separate licenses in each state. It establishes mutual recognition of licenses among participating states, directly benefiting counselors seeking to work in multiple states and their clients, including military spouses relocating with active duty service members. Key provisions include requiring counselors to follow the laws of the state where the client is located during care, supporting telehealth delivery of services, and enabling states to share disciplinary and licensing information. The bill aims to improve access to counseling services while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 179 extends the sunset date for a tax deduction allowing small New Mexico businesses to exclude qualifying sales from gross receipts tax. The deduction applies to retail sales under $500 of specific items (like clothing, books, home goods, and toys) made on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. It directly affects small businesses with 10 or fewer employees operating in New Mexico, enabling them to reduce taxable income for these sales. The bill amends the tax code to extend the deduction’s expiration from 2025 to 2030, maintaining the current eligibility rules and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 419 appropriates $13.5 million from the state general fund to the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District for a workforce development program targeting formerly incarcerated individuals. The bill creates a program to help people transitioning from prison into the workforce by providing job training and employment support in the North Central New Mexico region. Funds must be spent by fiscal year 2026, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund. The bill was referred to committees and postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it has not advanced to become law.

Maddy summaryHB 489 establishes a confidential online portal for reporting racial incidents in New Mexico schools, allowing students, families, and staff to submit reports without public disclosure. The Black Education Liaison must maintain this portal and provide links to policy briefs, resources on historically Black colleges, and materials supporting equitable education for Black students. This directly affects Black students, schools, and the New Mexico Public Education Department by creating a dedicated system to address racial discrimination and improve educational outcomes. The portal's submissions are confidential and exempt from public records requests under the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 420 allocates $6 million from the state general fund to the New Mexico Health Care Authority for fiscal year 2026 to fund a housing stabilization program. The program directly supports individuals transitioning from incarceration or homelessness by providing temporary housing assistance. Key provisions include using the funds for "transitional housing support needs" and requiring any unspent money by year-end to revert to the general fund. The bill does not change eligibility rules or create new services, but instead provides dedicated funding for an existing stabilization effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending New Mexico's constitution to remove felony convictions as a barrier to voting. It would allow individuals with felony convictions to vote again once they've completed their sentences, provided they meet other standard voter requirements like residency and registration. The amendment would change the constitution's language to eliminate the current restriction on voting rights for people convicted of felonies. If approved by voters, this change would directly affect thousands of New Mexicans who are otherwise eligible to vote but were previously barred due to past felony convictions. The resolution must be approved by voters at the next general election to take effect.